Ye Longlin’s heart churned with immense shock. He never expected the Hall Master of the Dark Hall to appear in Chang’an, nor that the Dark Hall’s headquarters would be in a small village not far from the city!
The Dark Hall they had been desperately searching for was right before them!
“Does the dignified Hall Master of the Dark Hall fear revealing himself?”
Ye Longlin sneered as he looked at the person before him, his mind nevertheless filled with caution. To be honest, in such a place, even with caution, it was of little use. After all, he was on their territory, in their very headquarters. Even if he wanted to escape, he might not be able to.
“Who do you wish me to be?”
The Hall Master of the Dark Hall spoke slowly, his voice hoarse. His entire face was hidden beneath his black robe, the exaggerated garment obscuring all expression, even his face was invisible.
Ye Longlin frowned instinctively upon hearing this, “What do you mean, do we know each other?”
The implication seemed to be that they knew each other, hence his question. He felt as if their relationship was somehow close, otherwise, such a question wouldn’t have been posed.
No one answered him. Ye Longlin lowered his head, lit a cigarette, and surveyed the village. It looked no different from any other village, which was precisely why they hadn’t found any trace of the Dark Hall.
“I am very curious about one thing, and I hope the Hall Master can enlighten me.”
“Speak.”
“Currently, all intelligence systems across the country are operating at full throttle. I can’t fathom why you would actively capture me and bring me here, or rather, what is your purpose in capturing me? Is it simply to kill me? Or do you have other motives?
If you intend to kill me, you can do so now, as I cannot resist. So, I can only resign myself to fate. Also, have you considered the possibility of me escaping? If I were to escape, and my reinforcements arrived, none of you would escape!
Therefore, this course of action seems contrary to your interests and carries risks. I cannot understand why you would do such a thing; I am truly perplexed.”
Ye Longlin spoke slowly, his eyes filled with confusion. He genuinely couldn’t comprehend it.
The risk of exposure was increased, and there was no necessity for it.
“Your confusion, at least for now, will not be answered by anyone. I can also tell you clearly that the Red Lotus Demoness has been apprehended. Did you really think I didn’t know Hong Lian has been in contact with you?
I can tell you unequivocally that the Dark Hall has never feared war. In three days, Hong Lian the Demoness will be publicly executed. At that time, whether you act or not, you will not be able to prevent the final outcome!”
“In three days, war!”
…
At five in the afternoon, Ye Longlin appeared in Chang’an, bringing relief to everyone. Along with him was the heavily wounded Xuan Niao!
“Boss, I probably won’t be able to accompany you this time. My injuries are too severe,” Xuan Niao said weakly from his hospital bed.
Ye Longlin comforted him, “It’s alright, get some good rest. Even if you went, you wouldn’t be much help in this battle. By the way, Qing Long has also arrived. With Qing Long and Yuan Gang leading the Dragon Pavilion’s frontline combat team, you can rest assured.”
After leaving the hospital, Ye Longlin returned to the Xia family residence, only to find Mu Hanqi sitting on a stool, her eyes red-rimmed.
“I’ve made you worry.”
Ye Longlin stepped forward, stroking her head as he spoke, his tone filled with apology.
Mu Hanqi said nothing, simply hugging him tightly, silent.
In the evening, in the Chang’an military conference hall.
Ye Longlin nodded slightly upon seeing Qin Hanlie and others from the capital, then said, “Everyone, I’m afraid you won’t have time to rest.”
“The location of the Dark Hall has been pinpointed; it’s in a small village west of Chang’an. This village, at least in my assessment, has no heavy weaponry, so we can directly assault it. However, the Dark Hall’s headquarters is unlikely to be without them, so we must assume they are present.
The village is surrounded by flat terrain, making it easy to encircle. But if there are minefields, our men will suffer heavy casualties. The Dragon Pavilion has urgently mobilized four hundred thousand soldiers, preparing for a fight to the death with them. The time is set for three days from now!
Three days from now, the Dark Hall will execute Hong Lian the Demoness. Hong Lian the Demoness is likely one of our people, so our objective is also to rescue her. While I was at the Dark Hall headquarters, everyone from the foundational families had already arrived. It can be said that aside from the four hundred thousand mobilized soldiers, all have arrived.
Regarding the combat plan, we can start considering it. This is the terrain map. We must finalize the operational plan by twelve o’clock at the latest, as we have no time to spare.”
Three days, the final three days!
The decisive battle with the Dark Hall would commence in three days. He hadn’t expected this battle to come so soon, nor did he understand why the Dark Hall had captured him and brought him to their headquarters. Today’s events felt utterly surreal.
It was as if the Dark Hall had deliberately revealed their location, thereby initiating the decisive battle prematurely.
“I have a nagging feeling that something is not right. It seems the Dark Hall is too eager to engage in this decisive battle. When things are out of the ordinary, there is usually a reason. There is definitely something amiss with this situation. Inform the capital to be cautious; we don’t know what they are truly planning.”
Ye Longlin spoke slowly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Qin Hanlie nodded, “Understood.”
“By the way, there’s something I need to ask for your help with.”
Ye Longlin waved his hand, “What are you asking for between us? Just say it, and I’ll do whatever I can.”
“My daughter’s leg…”
With just these five words, Ye Longlin understood what he wanted. Qin Shiyin’s leg was indeed a problem. For a father, he naturally wished for his daughter to be well. However, Qin Shiyin’s legs were often problematic, so Qin Hanlie also hoped Ye Longlin could examine his daughter’s legs.
Ye Longlin immediately felt awkward, “After all, I’m just a man. It’s really not appropriate. Moreover, this isn’t a major issue, but primarily because she’s married, you understand, right? Qin Shiyin is an unmarried young lady. If I were to be fumbling around her legs, it wouldn’t look good.”
Qin Hanlie nodded, “I understand your concerns. I’ll talk to Mu Hanqi. If she agrees, you can proceed, right?”
Ye Longlin nodded.
“Let’s discuss this after the decisive battle is over. I still feel like the Dark Hall is playing a larger game. Something feels off, though I can’t quite pinpoint what it is.”